Ignition switch

[SaskStag]

Hi again,
I feel I should shut up for a while, but then I have another burning question

In preparation for trying to fix the wipers. I suspect lack of lecky from the ignition switch, but what I know. Everything else works fine. I'm waiting for a new wiper switch to arrive before I take off the nascelle and will inspect the ignition switch and loom. But trying to think ahead and maybe order parts I might need (takes 2 weeks for parts to get here).

I talked to Rimmers about their ignition switch (Paddocks also has one similar for cheaper):

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-158459

It looks ideal for the wiring of mine (also 6 wires). Except it has Lucar connectors, mine is different (I expect like other originals):
ignition switch and orginal.jpg

From those who have purchased one of these new switches,
Is there enough room to put crimps (maybe flag terminals?) onto the connectors of the new switch. Looks like big electricity goes through these wires. I don't want to mess it up when everything seems fine (except wipers).
Rimmers said their's is held on by one screw. Hmm, from looking at archives and this switch, it's held on by two sheer bolts (in the centre?). So how does one screw replace two? I don't want some cheap load of rubbish that requires fettling.

If I take the original switch apart to check the insides, are there springs and things that can go boing into the darkest recesses of the car? Will it go back together? I don't want to do any more damage that will lay up the car. I'm hoping for a simple broken wire in the loom.....

I found this old picture. This is the switch from underneath showing wiper wire coming out of connector...
Original from below winter 2013 wiper wire.jpg

Many thanks!
Tanya

[Stagsongas]

Tanya,

The 'one screw' claim is correct.

The entire steering lock is indeed attached to the column by two shear bolts, but the ignition switch which fits into the back of the steering lock is held into the lock by one, tiny and easy to lose Phillps (cross head) screw. Looking at your picture of the lock and switch assembly you can actually see the tiny phillips screw at the top of the aluminium cylindrical housing. Follow the blue and red trace wire down the picture and it points right to the round headed screw.

So - two seperate parts, the lock and the switch, and it sounds like you are buying the switch only.

Now I've said all that, every once in a while you meet a lock that has two small screws but still as described above, and if so, the two are located 180 degrees apart (opposite each other on the cylindrical shape).

BTW - 'Big Electricity'......I like it and it's so true.

Regards

Steve

[jleyton]

Hi Tanya,

Talking without a wiring diagram in front of me (Ie I may well be wrong) I can't see how a problem with the ignition switch could affect just your wipers

As for the lock and switch, Steve's quite right

Good luck in sorting out your problem.

Cheers

Julian

[jleyton]

Hi Tanya,

I'll try to look at a wiring diagram tomorrow (it's 3am here at moment) to see if I can throw any light on matters

Cheers

Julian

[SaskStag]

Hi Julian,
Thanks, Don't stay up!!! I deleted my last post as I didn't think anybody would have read it as they would be alseep by now!!

I found a working diagram I used when I was figuring out some wiring errors and installed the new fusebox. The questionable connection on up to LE11276 (heater only) I had added a written note there was a white wire between fuse terminal 3 and 19; similar to UK models. The other wiring diagram I got from another source (prospero's garage Production) doesn't show the connection between fuse 3 and 19, so it looks like the wiper circuit is in isolation! So, Julian is correct - my car should have shut down if the ignition white wire was off....back to the drawing board.

Steve, thanks I see the screw. At least that part makes more sense now

I need a beer........
T

[Mike Stevens]

I think I can also see another small screw underneath in the same picture. (Actually, I though there were 2 screws, but...)

The wipers are fed from the ignition switched power feed (white wires), but so is a lot of other things. If any of them are working (like the engine itself) then at least some of those white wires have power.

The only real way to sort this is to trace the power through the system with a multimeter. In the circuit I have (which of course may not be exactly what you have) the power from the white wire goes through its own fuse and then to the wiper switch. Then 3 wires go to the wiper motor. Power also goes direct to the motor for the self park.

There are a lot of plugs/sockets and wiring between the white ignition feed and the switch so it's possible there's a fault there somewhere, so try to trace it all along until you find where there's no power.

I'm sorry if you've already checked all this, but I can't remember!

I hope this is of help.

Cheers,
Mike.